Sonoma State University Reviews

Check out reviews left by other students or leave your own review. You could win a free scholarship.

Julia from Loomis, CA

11/14/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

14 out of 15 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

If you are a motivated student who enjoys getting to know your professors, are looking for a liberal arts education, and you don't like a really large, bustling school, Sonoma State would probably be a great choice for you.

Tips for prospective students

Study hard! Sonoma has a $1,000 Presidential Scholarship at entry for those students who have a 4.0 GPA from the second semester of their freshman year of high school through the first half of their senior year. And as long as you keep a 3.8 GPA throughout your semester at Sonoma, the scholarship is renewed every year. Also, I would recommend mixing your GE classes in with you major classes, as that will make your class load more bearable.

Bang for the buck

While Sonoma is a CSU campus, and therefore less expensive than some other colleges you could go to, it is still one of the most expensive in the CSU system. So, if you're looking for something that costs less than around $20,000 a year, Sonoma might be a bit out of your price range unless you get a nice scholarship package. Also, tuition has been increased due to the budget crisis in California, and it will most likely be going up again.

Am enjoying being here

Sonoma is an absolutely beautiful campus. If you love a semi-coastal environment with foggy fall/winter mornings, then you will love it here. not to mention that almost the entire campus is filled with trees, grass, and green in general. Sonoma is also nice and small, enabling you to walk from one side of campus to the other in the space of about fifteen minutes, so you really don't need a car unless you plan on living off campus.

Am learning a lot

The professors at Sonoma State will definitely challenge you to learn more and expand your horizons. Granted, you may run into one or two who are not exactly stellar professors, and you may get a few that are just plain difficult, but overall, the professors are willing to work with you and help you learn all you can. Not only are the professors really good, but the class sizes are generally nice and small. If you are planning on sitting in the back and snoozing during class, I wouldn't recommend it unless you want the professor to know that you could care less about their class because they will know you by name. The small class sizes make it really great for getting to know your professors really well, which is a big plus for you when you want to really get to know professors in your major.

Cassie From San Francisco, CA

04/28/2011

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

11 out of 12 people found this review useful.
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Tips for prospective students

-I would try and check out the school and as many schools that you are interested in. -Research your major/minor and programs and see if the school has a good reputation -Keep your grades up! -Always check your Sonoma State online portal to make sure you meet all the deadlines -Make a pro/con list of each school you visit and make your decision for you.

Bang for the buck

College now a days in general is expensive, and Sonoma state costs roughly about $20,000-$21,000. If you try to get scholarships, grants, and apply for your FAFSA ahead of time, I'm sure you can get at least half of your tuition and fees paid off.

Will enjoy being here

Being from a big city, I am already used to and accustomed to the city life. I like that Sonoma is part of a small, quiet community and different from the busy, bustling city. Because it is in wine country it smells like cow manure, but you will get used to it like I did. In addition to clubs and activities around school there is a lot to do outside such as bowling, lazer tag, shopping, etc. The housing is also really nice and the weather is usually sunny and warm. Oh, and you can have a car as freshman, a big plus.

Will learn a lot

I am planning to major in Criminal Justice and minor in psychology and they have really good programs for both of them. The classes are small (about only 20-30) with some classes as big as 80. I like that the classes are small enough for me to get personal attention from the professers and I won't feel overwhelmed.

Nicholas from Concord, CA

02/12/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

7 out of 8 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Students who enjoy small class sizes and speaking up during class, as well as students who enjoy having a personal relationship with their professors. You won't get away with missing a class, more often than not they will contact you in some may. My Education professor called me when I missed class due to illness!

Tips for prospective students

Don't be afraid to talk to your professors, they don't bite! They are always willing to help you understand outside class, it is their job and they love to teach. Stay on top of your work as well, 5 lengthy deadlines quickly turns into 5 massive assignments the next week so spend your time wisely.

Bang for the buck

The CSU system has been hit hard in recent times due to the economic turmoil in the state of California, but it is hard to beat a federally subsidized education. A comparable education at a private school would be at least double the cost.

Am enjoying being here

This school has one of the most gorgeous campuses I have seen, the greenery is abundant and well cared for. The living accommodations are second to none in my opinion, and anything you could ever want is on the Rohnert Park Expressway.

Am learning a lot

The best part of Sonoma by far is the teaching staff. All of the professors are informative and accommodating; they are more than willing to meet with you outside class if you are having any sort of problems with the subject material. My largest class was an intro to psychology, and it was 80 students. All other classes have been 20-30, which really helps you form a bond with the professor.

I wish the dorms cost less, but it is relatively cheaper than living off campus. The cost of education is cheap, but is high quality.

Am enjoying being here

The campus is beautiful. The buildings are new and made of reusable materials. The dorms are spacious. The food is great! I love the fresh air. The brand new music building is so nice. There are lots of things to do on campus. I am very happy here!

Am learning a lot

As a music education major, I am taking six music classes my first semester. The teachers seemed to want me to get into the classes I need and sat down with my for over an hour, one-on-one, to help me get the education I need. I'm in 3 general education class. I have no problem getting classes and the teachers care about my education. They are very helpful at office hours. While they make learning easy, you have to do your fair share too.

Brittany from Citrus Heights, CA

07/07/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

5 out of 5 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Located in a small town that many people are not familiar with. Thus safety is very good. Also the campus police station is near the front entrance by the freshmen housing. If you give them a call they will get to you in minutes wherever on campus.

Greek Life

Very well known and seen on campus. Im not involved but gets very expensive.

Clubs and Activities

Many clubs and activities availiable to get involved with. Its very easy to start your own club if the school doesnt already have it. As long as you have some friends that have the same interest then you can be an established club on campus.

Great for these types of students

If you like small schools, Small class sizes, Nice surroundings and has amazing weather, although when it rains, it rains, not a hot atmosphere.

Bang for the buck

College can be and will be very expensive. Things are not cheap. Better to live on campus, get a job on campus, and dont drive very much. Fees are always rising and classes fill up fast.

What to do for fun

San Fran is about 45 minutes away one direction and Bodega Bay the other. Go to the gym and work out, play ball or even go rock wall climbing. Swimming pools on campus. We have buses that periodically will take trips to places if you want to go. They also have days where you get cheaper prices on tickets for like six flags but you have to buy the pass for it.

Food and Dining

Not the greatest but you can find food on campus you like. It will get pricey as for all the good food is expensive.

Dorm Life

Nice, spacious, not like most schools, more of apartment style.

Academic Rigor

Classes are rather small but require you to be in attendance and an active participate. Depending on the class will depend on the work load.

Tips for prospective students

Once you take a tour you will fall in love; if you like small schools. AP courses will be in your benefit to have some credits. Get involved. Talk to people, make new friends. Cars are very handy.

In three sentences

Sonoma State is like a small little community because of its size. It is beautiful and small with small class sizes allowing the Professors to be able to build personal relationships with students. Very good resources always availaiable. Wouldn't reccomend it for everyone but if you like small school in small towns then its good for you.

Morgan from Rocklin, CA

SSU is great for students who want a smaller campus, and who love scenery. It's also great for Music Majors, as we're just finishing an AMAZING Music Hall.

Tips for prospective students

Take AP classes! They come in handy when you need to fulfill your G.E.'s and you have classes you WANT to take instead.

Bang for the buck

These classes are amazing and FUN! And the dorms are exquisite!! I can't wait to live in the brand-new dorms next year!

Am enjoying being here

I LOVE it at SSU. Everyone's friendly and understanding, and the classes are actually interesting.

Am learning a lot

I learn SO much in my music classes! I have improved in my singing so much, and I'm looking forward to being in Psychology classes next year - including a class on the psychology behind Myths, Dreams, and Symbols!

Lidia from Lancaster, CA

we have officers taking rounds around the school, which makes students feel protected.

Greek Life

it's very common, and mostly seen all over campus, i'm not interested in at all.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

one unusual tradition is our annual seawolf howl, were all students take a few second to simply howl.

What to do for fun

there isn't a lot to do for fun here, you'd have to go out of the city, in order to find fun places to be.

Dorm Life

it'd be better if we had some sort of survey we can take, in order to see how we can be compatible with others. the roommates are picked at random

Tips for prospective students

sign up for classes the you've never thought of taking. the fact that we offer a variety of courses allows us to gain different perspective. second make sure to take the time to attend office hours, or si session for extra help.

In three sentences

what sonoma state lacks in diversity in alumni, makes up for it with the quality of their staff and courses. the professors are what make my experience enjoy able, because the are very unique not just personality wise but in their teaching methods, the also like to interact with students and are approachable. the courses which are very exciting in my perspective, because they are courses that take me out of my comfort zone, but allow you to get comfortable at your own pace, which makes me excited to join classes.

Student from Santa Rosa, CA

01/30/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
2 people found it offensive.
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Campus Safety

this campus is very safe. there are panic alert button kiosks everywhere, there is ample lighting on the main walkways, and the campus police are very reliable and patrol regularly. the only time a rape is reported is when a girl brings a guy back to her dorm after a frat/soror party and the bookstore has only been held up twice in the last year. there was a scare a few years ago when someone was spotted on campus with a rifle but the cops took their time to check it out (only five minutes) because it turned out to be fake.

Greek Life

you see them everywhere during the first few weeks with their megaphones and fliers and then they blissfully disappear. don't know where they go and don't really care. besides, they ignore you if you look even slightly intelligent.

Clubs and Activities

there is a club for every group imaginable. and they all do activities. it varies.

Great for these types of students

someone who has parents to pay for them to miss classes so they can take that all-important cycling class at the gym.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

the rooster got killed by racoons a few years back so no, not anymore.

Bang for the buck

certainly more reasonable than other schools price-wise but classes can fill up quickly and new ones aren't opened to accommodate the students who need them.

What to do for fun

there is always some frat or soror house throwing a party if you're into that and there's usually some cheap comedic or theatre venue. the gym is always open and they have classes regularly.

Food and Dining

only two decent places to eat on campus and both are over-priced. the commons is tiny and the food there is terrible. save your money and eat off campus if you must, but it's better to brown-bag it. plus, you can buy beer on tap at the pub but it closes by 5pm.

Dorm Life

didn't live on campus but a lot of classmates did and they didn't have any unreasonable complaints. if anything, they tended to think that the dorms were pretty decent.

Academic Rigor

loads of busywork regardless of department (though some professors are more reasonable than others). as a four-year university, the administration and teachers don't assume you'll go anywhere else so the quality of education is a bit retarded by this assumption. for the most part, don't expect a berkeley-level education here (again, some instructors are exceptions to the rule). as a smaller out-of-the-way university however, there are some resources available to certain departments that other universities cannot match. check out the department and take a tour before signing anything!

Tips for prospective students

talk to a professor from your chosen department rather than a counselor because they know more. don't assume you'll be able to get the classes you need. join the club relevant to your major because you can find seniors and other experienced students there who know the ins and outs of the department.

In three sentences

knowledgeable instructors, significant amount of busywork, over-priced food given the quality, good resources but classes are being limited for funding reasons.

Riccelle from Irvine, CA

05/16/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

I'm sorry to say that though the occurrences are rare, there have been incidences on campus that are cause for concern. This past semester alone two girls fell victim to rape in their dorms. There was a home-made bomb thrown into one of the dorms living areas. Lucking no one was hurt from the latter, but it is still something to be mentioned. The school does have an on-campus police station, but sometimes they just aren't fast enough. So be careful about walking alone late at night, especially if your a girl. But I personally have never been in a position where I felt unsafe.

Greek Life

There is a large Greek Life at Sonoma State consisting of 13 fraternities and sororities. About 500 students out of 9,000 are in Greek Life, which may not seem like much, but trust me when you're walking around campus to go to class, or getting a coffee at Charlie Brown's, you'll notice the sweatshirts, tote-bags, and 'What's up bro!' at almost every turn you make. However, not all of them are only dedicated to partying, there are some that are actually all about giving back to the community. So if you're not all about the party, but more about creating a community for yourself, it is possible!

Clubs and Activities

Sonoma State does have clubs, but the most active on-campus organizations are Associated Student Incorporation(or student council), and Greek Life. You will find clubs in your major, but they probably will meet off-campus to discuss how to fund certain activities for your club. For instance, I am in Painting club and we were able to put on art shows throughout every semester for painters in the Sonoma State Art Department. The campus also has a great study abroad center! I'll bet you didn't know tuition to study abroad stays the same for Cal State students? Well if that is something you're interesting in go check it out in the International Programs office and Marissa will help you out with everything! I know I'll never regret my year abroad in Florence, Italy!

Great for these types of students

Sonoma State is great for students who either know what they want to do, or have the initiative to figure it out. As I warned you earlier, the campus lacks a strong community and most students find their own smaller group of friends. Sonoma State does have Greek Life and other opportunities to get involved, you just have to go out and try! There is also a large liberal community in Sonoma State, so watch out republicans! If you can't deal with seeing hippies and artsy folk, probably not the best school for you.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Some events that go unnoticed at Sonoma State are the Music Department shows and the Art Gallery openings. The Music Department has monthly music shows which show off their very talented students! The Art Gallery has four openings a semester for various visiting artists and student shows which serve free wine and food at every opening. These events are a great way to have a good time, just when the campus seems it's a little un-lively.

Bang for the buck

Lagunitas Brewery is my favorite brewery of all time! There are brewery tours M-F for free starting at 3pm. They offer you 6 very generous free tastings of their delicious IPA brews, which they all brew right there. After some great Lagunitas story telling from the very charismatic tour guide Louis, you will stumble through the brewery and see how they do things. Careful of the Gnarley Wine!

What to do for fun

When I was in my pre-21 years, there were surprisingly a lot of things to do that I still love to do today. The campus Recreational Center has a rock climbing wall which offers free lessons. There are a lot of great hiking spots and places to go camping(you can also rent out camping gear from the Rec Center). In the nearby cities Petaluma and Santa Rosa there are weekly music shows and art events. I always look forward to the Hand-Car Regatta every year(which was founded by Sonoma State students). There are also events in Cotati every now and then like the state-famous Accordion Festival where well-acclaimed accordion players gather and play music. Once you turn 21 you'll find that Sonoma State is in the center of wine country! Take a beautiful drive throughout the county and go taste some great wines! You'll find the Cotati Crawl pretty easily too! It's a strip of bars in Cotati where all the students go to have some fun after all those semi-harsh studying hours during the week.

Food and Dining

Rohnert Park has actually been criticized in northern California dining reviews as having the worst selection and quality of restaurants in the state. However, Oliver's Market, El Rancho Taqueria, and Mike's Sourdough sandwiches will save your taste buds while you're in school.

Dorm Life

The Sonoma State dormitories are really nice! All brand new appliances and facilities for the most part, but even the less-expensive housing communities are overly accommodating. It's like living in a 4-star hotel! However, if you're looking for that party scene, you're going to have to take it off-campus. Sonoma State monitors their facilities closely, and will not hesitate to kick you out without giving your deposit back if you are caught just once with bulk alcohol/other substances.

Academic Rigor

The classes at Sonoma State are easy depending on your high-school education. I went to a college preparatory school so college has been considerably easier than high school for me. However, I know others have struggled with those oh-so irritating General Education required courses. However, I will not dumb-down my art professors. They have been a true blessing in my college experience and I've learned so much from them. I'm sure it is the same in other majors once you get further along in your degree.

Tips for prospective students

If you plan on attending this university I suggest trying to find a similar niche, because no one I knew freshman year continued their education without one. There are many opportunities for finding your network if you get out and find one! Mine just happens to be in the art department, but there are many other options in all majors if you stay involved with them. A lot of students at Sonoma State just don't take the initiative to do so.

In three sentences

Sonoma State University as a whole has been a great experience for me, but only because I made it that way. It is a beautiful campus, but lacks your general campus lifestyle due to lack of community and student involvement. I found my niche in the Sonoma State Art department and have developed a network of professors, mentors, and friends.

Nothing, really. If you were a music major like me, you could practice. Other than that, you can rot in your dorm. The school makes zero effort to provide entertainment for it's students.

Food and Dining

Forget about eating, they never have any food out. When it is, it is severely burnt.

Dorm Life

Very nice dorms but people constantly smoke weed inside all of them.

Academic Rigor

I didn't try and I got a 3.7 gpa.

Tips for prospective students

Avoid this school!!! Most of the student body are pot heads and are very immature. They are also not very intelligent. There is never any food in the cafeteria and there is nothing to do in the surrounding area. The curriculum is too easy. There are better choices than this school!

In three sentences

Very poor school. Does not serve the need of it's students. I dropped during my second semester here.

Marissa from Rio Vista, CA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

0 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Students who are introvert to extrovert. If you like to be near San Francisco and want a great college experience and education.

Tips for prospective students

Visit the campus!

Bang for the buck

Compared to other CSU's and UC's, Sonoma really seems to provide you the most for less. If you look up their dorms online you'll see what I mean.

Will enjoy being here

The area it is in is beautiful. I could not ask for a better campus or atmosphere. It is almost indescribable and you really just need to visit to see what I mean. Also the dorms are above and beyond and well worth the money.

Will learn a lot

My major is Psychology and overall the Psychology Department is well rounded and very helpful to its incoming undergraduates. The school overall seems this way also

Arielle from Beverly Hills, CA

very safe campus. there is a police station on the campus, and they assure that it is safe and sound.

Greek Life

joining the greek life is a great way of getting involved around campus and having a social life.

Clubs and Activities

there are various and many clubs on campus, from cooking club to tennis club, there is a club for every interest.

Great for these types of students

students who like nature, laid back, and a low key lifestyle.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

there is the russian lake on campus, which is beautiful. there are ducks in it, and you can go sit on the bench and watch the lake, and even feed the ducks.

What to do for fun

if a student is involved, then that program or club will instantly fill up the student's time. although the campus is fairly small and quiet, people are friendly and through clubs and such, a social life is possible.

Food and Dining

the cafeteria food is pretty good, there are different types of foods every night, for example, there is indian night, and then there is chinese night. the chefs make food for vegetarians and meat eaters.

Dorm Life

the dorms are spacious, beautiful and comfortable. the environment is clean and fresh.

Academic Rigor

since the ratio between the professor and the students is very small, every student is able to get the attention and help in order to succeed. depending on each class, the rate of rigor varies.

Tips for prospective students

get involved!

In three sentences

sonoma state university is a pro-environment campus that focuses on the important issue of sustainability. the ration between the student and the professor is very small, as every student gets close attention. there are many ways for a student to shine in sonoma state university through involvement in clubs, affiliations, and other volunteer opportunities.

Gabriella from Santa Rosa, CA

Super fun. Almost everyone who wants to join will get invited to join one of the chapters.

Clubs and Activities

SSU has an awesome Greek Life! It is very safe.

Great for these types of students

Students who are looking for a smaller, more quiet campus, but not too quit. Very liberal ideology.

Bang for the buck

Of course a CSU will be way cheaper than a UC; however everything is getting more expensive. Ask family members to send you money or get a job, and spend it wisely.

What to do for fun

There is a movie theater just 10 minutes away and a bowling alley same distance. Also there is always something fun going on on campus.

Food and Dining

It has a variety, but is a little expensive. It has a delicious cafe called Charlie Browns.

Dorm Life

If you like a clean tidy room, make sure you get a single. You'll most likely have messy roommates.

Academic Rigor

It depends on the classes you're taking. Some are really difficult, and some aren't.

Tips for prospective students

Join a club if you're having a hard time making friends. Have a car, because you'll get bored sitting in your dorm. Don't be shy in class, professors like students who respond and ask questions in class.

In three sentences

SSU has a beautiful campus. The weather is always changing. There are many activities on and off campus.

MMS, California

04/16/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Sonoma State is a very safe school! Since it's rather small in size, campus police are always close and easy to get to! There are always Community Service Advisors that walk around campus at night time to ensure safety for students.

Greek Life

Greek life at Sonoma is huge! Although there are no Greek houses, the fraternities and sororities are amazing! The Greek community is extremely close and always hosts wonderful events like dances, philanthropy events, and other fun things for students!

Clubs and Activities

Sonoma State University thrives on student involvement which is why there are so many amazing Clubs and activities! Clubs range anywhere from Vampire club to Rugby Club. Activities are always happening on campus thanks to Residential Student Association and other campus organizations.

Great for these types of students

Sonoma State is great for any student looking to get involved socially and/or academically!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Something very unusual about Sonoma State is that in the middle of campus, there is a large statue of bacon and eggs!

Bang for the buck

Sonoma State is a state university so it is fairly reasonably priced! Tuition is very cheap for the amazing classes offered! The housing options, both on campus and off campus, are decently priced as well keeping the overall cost of attendance very low and well worth it to attend SSU.

What to do for fun

There are many different options for fun on campus! Activities range from Jello Wars to Greek Dances. Off campus, there is not much to do; however, most students prefer the activities happening on campus anyways because they are always fun and different from the last!

Food and Dining

The Cafeteria serves a very diverse menu of food ranging from Cereal to Salmon with Mango Salsa; however, always check the menu before you commit to eating there! Ameci's, Charlie Brown's, and The Pub are other dining venues on campus which offer a variety of foods such as pizza, sandwiches, and smoothies.

Dorm Life

Student living on campus is incredible! The 'worst' dorm is a suite consisting of two bedrooms, a full bathroom, and living room. There are no halls which allows for a much more private dorm life. Student on-campus residential buildings are very close-knit communities which helps bring an easy away-from-home transition to Freshmen.

Academic Rigor

Because class sizes are rather small, most classes require both attendance and participation. This forces students to become attentive both inside and outside the classroom.

Tips for prospective students

Because Sonoma State is such a small school, it's very important to get involved as much as possible! Whether it be through Snow Club, joining a Fraternity/Sorority, or holding Student Government positions, a student's happiness at SSU solely revolves around on campus involvement.

In three sentences

Sonoma State University is a great college for anyone looking for a close community and a liberal arts education. SSU is a fairly new campus, therefore the facilities are exceptional, such as the new Recreation Center and the currently under construction Student Union. Though small, the people on campus are very friendly and there are many opportunities to get involved socially, academically, and professionally.

Andrea from Folsom, CA

Tuition is currently high, however that is a state issues, not the sole fault of SSU. However, the small campus feeling provides a huge, positive affect on the academic experience.

What to do for fun

There are loads of clubs and activity groups on campus. The recreation center provides dance and exercise classes, along with rock climbing walls and a heated outdoor pool. Outside of campus, there are state parks that are excellent for bike riding and hiking. The ocean is relatively close by. San Francisco is about one hour away.

Food and Dining

There are several food options located on campus that provide tasty meals in between classes. My only complaints would be that not all dining areas are open past four o'clock and there is a lack of ethnic foods available on campus. However, only a mile down the road there is a great supermarket with lots of delicious food!

Dorm Life

The dorms are amazing! They are large in size, equipped with appliances and are located in a community area!

Academic Rigor

Of the professors I have encountered, they all expect you to learn. Professors expect a lot and are eager to push you academically.

Tips for prospective students

Use all the resources! Financial aid, office department staff, admissions office staff...they are all waiting and willing to help you earn admittance to SSU!

In three sentences

Where many California State universities are large commuter school, Sonoma State provides a more intimate setting. Class sizes are small to average which allows for better teacher-student interaction and there are plenty of clubs and activities to join. Professors and faculty have been a great help in my academic success and they are always willing to sit and discuss any issues a students might have.

Jessica from San Ramon, CA

Greek life is huge on campus. There are many fraternities and sororities.

What to do for fun

There are many intramural teams as well as clubs.

Food and Dining

There are many food options on campus and the choices are healthy.

Dorm Life

The dorms at Sonoma are unlike any other school. They have more of an apartment style of living that is unlike any other state school that I have seen.

Academic Rigor

There isn't too much pressure on students academically.

Tips for prospective students

Join clubs, teams, organizations, and etc. It is important to get involved in school activities so they do not feel bored. The school has so much to offer, but if you sit around and do not get involved it will be harder to build relationships with others.

In three sentences

A beautiful campus with small class sizes. Professors are able to build personal relationships with students. Campus is small so students are more of a community.

Join InterVarsity! These clubs are the only way to get to know people.

Great for these types of students

Small classrooms, smaller school.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Copeland Creek is beautiful and relaxing. The Lakes are something Sonoma students take for granted, they are incredible.

Bang for the buck

This school is beautiful. Explore it. Find the creek. The butterfly garden. Lay out on the grass.

What to do for fun

Travel outside the school. Go to San Francisco. Just get out and find places.

Food and Dining

Just your average college food.

Dorm Life

Not your typical dorms, but they are so much nicer than other colleges. You can have some of the best memories with the people you meet here.

Academic Rigor

You will get back as much as you put forth.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved. The dorms here are not set up as your typical college dorm would be posing a difficult problem getting to know people. So go out, join clubs, and MEET PEOPLE.

In three sentences

Sonoma State University is a one-of-a-kind, small university surrounded by nature itself. The ratios of students to teachers allows for personal growth with your professors allowing them to get to know you. I recommended this university if you prefer smaller settings in a beautiful area.

laid back and low-key, outdoorsy, environmentally conscious, studious, interested in viticulture and microbreweries, interested in music, nursing or teaching, looking for a great all around school.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

During the spring semester live musicians play every Wednesday in the quad. Earth day becomes Earth Week. Bar crawls and barrel tastings in surrounding wine country (also Lagunitas brewery is fun). The pub on campus is very popular for students to eat and drink and hang out. The butterfly gardens and the creek are peaceful and beautiful. The new music building is supposed to be incredible for acoustics, Yo-Yo Ma came and played to test it out. The Recreation center is amazing complete with rock wall and all built environmentally friendly and LEED certified.

Bang for the buck

The CSU system is struggling with budget cuts but considering the attention I receive in my small classes, and the facilities available to me its worth it. Financial aid options are available as well. Also the woman who runs the study abroad office is awesome at getting you to go abroad and the school has great options.

Typical cafeteria food (with the exception of the grill in the mornings, yum!) To-go boxes and utensils are environmentally friendly. On campus restaurants, cafe and pub are delicious and a really great place to meet/up with people.

Dorm Life

The newer and/or apartment style dorms are beautiful. Its easy to get comfortable and seclude yourself, so you have to put in an effort to meet people outside of your own dorm and within other types of dorms. Lots of community activities.

Academic Rigor

Classes are what you put into them. The more in depth you get into your major the harder classes become, but also a lot more enjoyable.

Tips for prospective students

Do not bring a car freshman year, buy a bike! Make sure to get involved to make a lot of friends. Live on campus for first two years (take advantage of the beautiful dorms!) Expect your teachers to actually care, but only if you do.

In three sentences

Small school and community, but with beautiful campus. Personal and intimate classes with great teachers. Considerate of environmental impact.

Kevin from San Francisco, CA

07/07/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

The recreation center is a good place to go for fun. You can play a variety of sports and many games including pool and table tennis. The city of Rohnert Park has many places to go such as the theater and bowling.

Food and Dining

The cafeteria has on and off days during the year i'm afraid. The breakfast is always good, as long as you are up in time. Italian nights are the best for dinner but otherwise the food isn't the greatest.

Dorm Life

All the dorms are beautiful. They aren't like dorms you would find at other schools but instead they are similar to apartments. You live in a comfortable environment where everything is very close by.

Academic Rigor

The work isn't too rigorous as long as you are on top of your homework and don't leave everything to the last minute. The teachers are fair with all their students and will answer any questions you have.

Tips for prospective students

Be prepared to live in a very strict uptight area. If you are a party animal, I wouldn't consider this school. But if you really want to focus on actually learning, this school is the one for you.

In three sentences

Sonoma State is a beautiful campus with a lot to offer. When you drive in the front entrance of the school, you feel that you are driving into a resort, it's that beautiful. On the academics side, all teachers are very fair and well trained. I would recommend this school to anyone considering.

April from CA

The freshmen dining hall is only so-so, but other places to eat on campus are yummy.

Dorm Life

Appartment style dorms are great. You can share a bathroom with only 3 other people instead of a whole hallway.

Academic Rigor

The psychology department is challenging, but all of the professors want you to suceed.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved! Play a sport or join a sorority or fraturnity. If you don't get involved in something, you will be bored here.

In three sentences

Sonoma State has a beautiful campus with a great gym and a new student center coming soon. The psychology department is wonderful. The town is a little dull, but you'll never be bored if you join greek life.

Ashley from Placerville, CA

I am a part of the German Club and Glee club, both of which were struggling with membership, but I don't know much about the other clubs on campus.

Great for these types of students

Students with wealthy parents. As someone who doesn't have wealthy parents, I felt out of place on occasion, as few students I knew seemed to have the problems of paying for school and housing, since parents paid for it.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

One part I really enjoyed is the Holocaust and Genocide Lecture series, which is a pretty unique part of Sonoma State. The series has a guest speaker every week, from Holocaust and other genocide survivors (Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur), as well as academics in the field, such as Carl Wilkins, James Waller, and Michael Berenbaum. Sonoma State also has one of very few saplings from the Anne Frank tree and a Holocaust memorial grove by the lake.

Bang for the buck

All California campuses are too expensive. I had some great teachers at Sonoma State that made me feel as if it were a little worth it.

What to do for fun

In Rohnert Park, there isn't a lot to do. There's a movie theatre, a bowling alley (with free bowling for SSU students every first Thursday, but get there EARLY), a skating rink, Scandia, Hooters. Cotati has what is known as 'The Cotati Crawl', which hits all the pubs in Cotati. On campus, there is a gym, which is free for student use, though some of the classes, like Zumba, are an additional fee. There are also a lot of clubs to join, including Glee, language clubs, political clubs and all the departments have clubs. The campus often has events for students and there is a weekly newsletter for those who live on campus to get about all these fun events.

Food and Dining

I've tried a few of the places on campus and The Pub is great, with awesome sandwiches, but can be really loud. Charlie Brown's has okay food and severely overpriced drinks. The University Restaurant, which is sort of a secret more up scale place to eat, has both okay service and okay food. In 2012, though, they started building a new building, which is supposedly going to have more food options, maybe even ones like Subway, or other fast food places, so future students might have more options.

Dorm Life

I lived in Sauvignon, which are one of the more rundown areas to live. Nothing is new - the stoves are gas and ours we had trouble with the burners, so we had to use a lighter to light ours. One of the great things about Sauv, though, is that, compared to the other villages, the rooms are fairly large, especially the living room. Tuscany and Beaujelois villages, are much more up to date with their appliances and really gorgeous, so there are options.

Academic Rigor

It really depends on what classes you are taking, whether they are difficult or a bit on the easier side.

Tips for prospective students

Be sure to take advantage of your advisors. Buy rainboots because when it rains, the campus can flood.

In three sentences

Like most California universities, Sonoma State is filled with overpaid administrators, underpaid professors, and more paperwork than really needed. However, there are a lot of talented and intelligent professors, particularly in the political science and geography departments. The campus is nice, nothing fancy, but fairly compact, which is great for those who don't like walking.

Meaghan from Lakeport, CA

07/18/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

The safety on campus is great. There are campus police who are always there to help if you need anything at all. And if you are living on campus, the CSA's are a good source for help for less serious issues.

Greek Life

I wasn't personally a member of any sorority, but I had a lot of friends who were. You often see people walk around with their sorority or fraternity shirts. It is a great way to make friends.

Clubs and Activities

There are a lot of options of clubs that fit the interests of all kinds of students. There is everything from religious clubs, to sports clubs, to clubs for specific majors, and fun clubs like a Disney club. And all kinda of activities are always happening on campus. They have trips to baseball games, movies and shows, site seeing places, and volunteering trips. And every so often, they put on an event where you can win prizes, including money!

Great for these types of students

Sonoma State is great for students who want to go to a University, but don't want to be in a big city, or a small town. The city of Rohnert Park is just the right size. And the campus isn't too small, or too big. Everything is easy walking distance on campus.

Bang for the buck

As one of the more inexpensive colleges in California, Sonoma State is a great choice. Tuition rates aren't as high, and the book store is helpful for getting books for lesser prices. The campus also has a Recreation Center that you get free usage to, and even the classes aren't very expensive. There is also a health center on campus that you pay for in an additional fee, but it is not expensive, and is really convenient for any type of medical needs.

What to do for fun

If you are living on campus, the 'Residential Life Association' puts together many different kinds of trips and events for people with different interests. Aside from that, there are many clubs to choose from, and Greek life is big on campus.

Food and Dining

Sonoma State not only has the cafeteria and commons for students with meal plans, but they also have other individual restaurants you can go to. Amicii's is a great place to get pizza and hang out. The Pub has great sandwiches and is right in the center of campus. And Charlie Brown's cafe is a quick stop for healthy food, right in the library.

Dorm Life

Living in the dorms is a great experience for anyone! Most freshman have to live on campus, but SSU also offers transfer student housing. As a transfer student, it was an easy transition from home to school while living on campus. Classes are a five minute walk away. Theres pools, laundry facilities, and a lot of residential life activities. It would be silly not to give yourself the opportunity to make new friends.

Academic Rigor

Depending on what your major is will determine how hard classes are. As an English major, English classes involve a lot of weekly reading.

Tips for prospective students

The library is a great place during finals week, with 24 hour study hall! Make sure to spend time on campus before, after, or between classes, because all kinds of activities, events, and club/greek promoting happens!

In three sentences

Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, CA is an amazing school, and I'm not just saying that because I go there. It is the perfect size for students looking for not too big or too small campuses. And the amount of activities and things to do are endless.

Lots of choices off campus and pretty good on campus. Most places take cards, there's a pizza place, a coffee shop with smoothies, bagels, and pastries, but off of campus is definitely better than on. There's Asian, Mexican, American, fast food, all sorts and not too far from campus.

Dorm Life

Not too sure since I live off campus, but I've been in the freshmen dorms and they are okay for dorms but no kitchens. I think the senior dorms are a lot nicer as usual.

Academic Rigor

It's what you make of it, work really hard and you'll learn a fair amount, but you will pass and get by if you put in average amount to little amount of effort. You would really have to mess things up to fail out of this school.

Tips for prospective students

Unless you have to go here because of money issues and location constraints like me, go somewhere else!

In three sentences

This college is lacking in academic areas-with typically large class sizes, except for the technical classes luckily. Social life is given much importance, even financially, and the money being spent is going to those areas rather than into improving the education where it's more needed. Understandably California is going through a lot of financial difficulties, but the money available should not continue to be used for new social oriented buildings, especially while students continue to be unsatisfied with the quality of education and the teachers, the student to teacher ratios, the unnecessary emphasis on being involved in student life, and the limited availability of courses.

Aaron from Stockton, CA

07/26/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Campus police can always be seen and are willing to help with even the most seemingly personal, insignificant problems (i.e. letting you into a locked classroom or cracking down on your stolen bike or laptop).

Greek Life

Very visible, active, and engaged in community involvement. Close-knit and plenty of options available.

Clubs and Activities

Tons of clubs, and new clubs are being created every year. Plenty of ethnic, religious,

Great for these types of students

Perfect for those who are intimidated by the idea of being at a big school. Good for students who are independent and can find their own entertainment and activities.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

School mascot is a Seawolf, which is not even a real animal, but rather a mystical one out of folklore.

Bang for the buck

Fees are increasing, and class options are diminishing.

What to do for fun

Drive 40 minutes south to San Francisco for the most diverse and entertaining activities and the best food around. Unless you're into wine tasting and love the locally-produced goods of Sonoma County.

Food and Dining

Could be better. Although it's usually relatively healthy, most students are now looking forward to the completion of the new Student Center (expected completion date Spring 2013) to experience SSU's most diverse and tasteful dining options yet.

Dorm Life

Super comfortable dorms that are close to everything happening on campus. Plenty of residential life activities to participate in and meet new people.

Academic Rigor

There are plenty of challenging courses, but it's far too easy to get by with just the minimum difficulty.

Tips for prospective students

Plan your career path early, because changing paths or majors after your second year is extremely difficult. Always have a plan B and a plan C. Pick classes very early.

In three sentences

Small class sizes that allow you to get one-on-one attention with professors. Beautiful campus. Excellent and comfortable on-campus housing.

Ciera from Roseville, CA

07/26/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

This campus is very safe. There are always security guards at each event so no one gets out of line. Also, campus police can be at any place within five minutes or less. They even offer to give you rides back to your dorm late at night! I never feel unsafe or scared when walking throughout SSU's campus, despite it being open to the public.

Clubs and Activities

I'm apart of BSU (Black Scholar's United) on campus and I absolutely love it. I'm now on the Board of Director's for this upcoming year and I can't wait to bring some fresh ideas into this amazing club. Also, I joined FLP (Freshman Leadership Program) this past year and it made my freshman year that much more exciting and relieving. Knowing I had these two amazing groups of people to keep me on track helped me immensely my freshman year.

What to do for fun

There are plenty of fun things to do! Join a club. Get involved with Greek Life. Join a sports team, either through the school or intramural sports through the gym. Go to many of the campus events. There's literally something for everyone at SSU, you just have to go out there and explore.

Food and Dining

The food here at SSU is pretty good! They have a little something for just about everyone. If you can't find what you're looking for on campus, there are also plenty of inexpensive dining facilities located just off campus in any direction.

Dorm Life

The dorms at SSU are incredibly nice; they are easily the best in all of the CSU system. And with such a friendly and understanding staff of CSA's and such, they make it a very fun and exciting environment to live in.

Academic Rigor

The classes here can difficult, but as long as you put the work and dedication into them, they are definitely easy to pass.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved with something on campus! With so much that SSU has to offer, it would be a shame to not take advantage of any of these valuable opportunities. Also, get to know your professors. It makes their class a whole lot easier to manage and you can also use their knowledge and reccomendations in the future.

In three sentences

This school has absolutely everything to offer any type of student. With such a diverse variety of clubs and organizations on campus, there is something out there for every student. The class sizes are generally small & the professors are always willing to go out of their way to help a student in need.

RON from Belmont, CA

You do feel safe and secure on this campus due to the various rules/regulations that are enforced. At the same time, patrol is all over.

Greek Life

Greek life is fantastic!

Clubs and Activities

Numerous clubs and activities to join. As well as many events that are put on by various members of the school. Both sports and non-sports related.

Great for these types of students

Great for studious, serious students who want to study, obtain a degree, learn a lot, and expand their horizons but at same time have fun with it.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Nothing too unusual that I found on campus. I did like the nice BBQ orientation for family right before school started.

Bang for the buck

Tuition has gone up - as it has all over the state. If the classes that one needed were available the first time around, it would make it more pleasant.

What to do for fun

There are various fun acitivities and clubs to join on campus. A bunch of fun and exciting events are also offered throughout the year.

Food and Dining

The cafeteria food unfortunately is not that great. We did a bunch of cooking in our kitchen which helped a lot.

Dorm Life

Dorm life was great! you do have to abide by strict rules and regulations but they are for our own safety. The dorms are more like apartments. VERY NICE!

Academic Rigor

The instructors are there to help you as best they can. The classes do fill up fast and many times you will be put on a waiting list but nowadays, that's the norm with most colleges. I have found the classes to be very interesting and informative.

Tips for prospective students

Definitely pay attention during the 'Open House' sessions and learn all you can about the various departments and places to go. It's a very nice size campus with lots to do in a very good location.

In three sentences

This is my second year at Sonoma State and I'm loving it. I'm learning so much from my various classes and great instructors. I lived on campus the first year but due to financial limitations, I moved off campus for this year.

Rebecca from Belmont, CA

The beach is thirty minutes away as well as the city, shopping in Santa Rosa, hanging out by the pool.

Food and Dining

The dining hall is not exactly fresh food and the restaurants on campus are only okay.

Dorm Life

The dorms are very nice, but the traditional college dorms help you meet people.

Academic Rigor

You definitely have to put in the work in order to receive a good grade in your courses. Extra help from professors and engaging in class is vital.

Tips for prospective students

Go to your professor's office hours, it helps you excel and understand the material better. Get involved-join a sorority, volunteer, join a club, participate in sports.

In three sentences

Sonoma State is very impacted and I have found it extremely difficult to find classes that I am interested in taking. Becoming involved by joining a sorority made living here easier. The housing and campus is very beautiful.

K from California

I've never felt unsafe walking at night, and there are call stations all around campus where a police escort will meet with you right away.

Greek Life

About 20% of the student population is Greek.

Clubs and Activities

Clubs, Greek Life, and Sports are pretty prominent on campus.

Great for these types of students

Students who want a smaller class size, while going to a beautiful university. Definitely for someone who wants to hang out at a new student center in the hub of campus.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Toast, Bacon & Eggs statue in the middle of campus.

Bang for the buck

Even with tuition increases, it is affordable.

What to do for fun

Becoming involved is the best way to have fun. Going on a short drive to San Francisco or Bodega Bay is a great way to spend a day.

Food and Dining

Definitely needs more venues, it is only locally owned places on campus. But other major food places are close by.

Dorm Life

Princeton Review just rated it as the top public school in the country for dorms.

Academic Rigor

Some teachers can be more difficult than others.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved and live on campus!

In three sentences

Sonoma State University is a great small campus that is on the rise. It has one of the best campuses, dorms, and teacher to student ratios in the country. It has a brand new state of the art Student Center and Green Music Center as well.

Andrew from Santa Rosa, CA

Since I started here I have never run into any issues with safety on the campus.

Greek Life

Have not tried any of the Greek groups, however they the sororities seem very active as they tend to have many group events on campus.

Clubs and Activities

Most schools have at least one club per major and several athletic clubs. If you like indoor soccer or play football versus your rival majors SSU is for you.

Great for these types of students

Definitely great for those who wish to remain in Sonoma county, love nature and enjoy the small city scale. The campus is also based on small scale classes with few auditorium classes in the upper level classes.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The campus pond was built on the wrong soil. Created on alluvial fan soil the pond drained so fast they had to fill it with concrete to create walls so the water does not drain. Only a few yards south is clay soil which would have retained the water without concrete walls.

Bang for the buck

Provided at California's high level of upper education and the lowest prices in most of the country you'll get your bang for your buck at SSU. However prices in Sonoma county are high, because of the county taxes.

What to do for fun

The campus is a wet campus so if you like to hang out with friends at a bar and watch a Gaint's game this is the campus for you. It is also home to one of the best music centers and the city of Santa Rosa is only a couple miles north with plenty to do.

Food and Dining

Have not tried their student dining plans, however their student eating facilities if not on the plan vary very little in food choice and most of it is sub-standard.

Dorm Life

As far as I have seen the dorms look excellent, however I do not live in a dorm.

Academic Rigor

On the level with most California State Universities with different departments having different standards for student performance. Most schools at up to the standards of any other CSU and more.

Tips for prospective students

Get a pass to the regional parks. Sonoma county has so of the most unique regional parks.

In three sentences

Sonoma State University campus is located in Sonoma county. Schools are provided in the fields of environmental science, economics, history, and more. The university is also home to several Greek houses.

Anonymous

Residential Life is always putting things on at school, whether it be a movie screening or a school basketball game there is always something to do at SSU!

Food and Dining

Food here is basic college/cafeteria food. We've moved up from cafeteria food, but it's not always the best. Like any food place it has its good days and it has its bad days.

Dorm Life

Dorm life here is by far better than any other school I've seen. Dorms are basically apartments, most of which are furnished and have kitchens. There is also many things to do in the dorms just seek Village Counsel for all activities.

Academic Rigor

The academic rigor here is as difficult as any other college. The only thing that separates Sonoma from those other colleges is the size. Sonoma offers classes probably no bigger than 200 students, if that, so there is plenty of attention you can get from professors.

Tips for prospective students

Apply early and don't stress about things just make sure all forms needed are in on time. Contact Admissions for any concerns you may have, and I mean any. They will be more than happy to help you.

In three sentences

Sonoma State University is absolutely amazing and I love it. Not only is it beautiful it's in the lovely wine country and only about an hour from the famous San Fransisco. You get the typical college experience you;re looking for here.

Ma Karel from San Ramon, CA

12/04/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

We have the duck ponds which is the most beautiful spot on campus. We have the famous afro duck that walks around. We have a bacon and eggs statue, along with Toast which serves coffee and breakfast items.

What to do for fun

TONS of on campus events, like The Vagina Monologues, The Big Cat Show (tigers and stuff), The Chainsaw Juggler, etc.

In three sentences

Sonoma State is absolutely beautiful. We have the best and nicest residence hall (NOT dorms). We also have a bacon statue.

Alyssa from Modesto, CA

12/27/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

There is a police station on campus who are available 24/7. Also, there are these posts on campus with blue lights at the top that you can go to walking home at night, if for any reason you don't feel safe, and a police officer will come right away and escort you home or help you if needed.

Greek Life

HUGE at Sonoma State University. Almost 60-80% of campus is involved in Greek Life.

Clubs and Activities

There are clubs for almost everything! Sports, biology, equestrian, etc. You name it, I'm pretty sure SSU has it.

What to do for fun

There are lots of activities to do on campus! One of my favorites was Big-Screen Night, where the school rents a huge blow up screen and plays recent movies on there.

Food and Dining

The cafeteria food was good at first, but after a while it can get repetitive. This is why I suggest the 8 meal-plan because you'll be able to use up your meals, but also you have more dining dollars that you can spend at other food locations on campus. This will give you more variety in your food selection.

Dorm Life

Dorms are great! However, one may encounter some bug problems here and there, but maintenance on campus should take care of that. Also, CSA's provide lots of activities to get involved in.

Academic Rigor

Teachers give fair amount of homework, but really work to challenge the student to excel in their classes.

Tips for prospective students

Go for the 8 meal plan if you plan on buying any food at all outside of campus! You most likely won't even be using all of the meals on your 14 meal plan, but possibly your 10 meal-plan if you decide to only go to the cafeteria for food.

In three sentences

Sonoma State University has one of the most beautiful campuses I've seen on the West Coast. The education you receive here is also just as great because the class sizes are smaller, allowing teachers to work more one-on-one with students. Also, almost all the dorms are apartment style, meaning most have kitchens and single bedrooms, and this is available for all students, including freshmen.

Thea from Rocklin, CA

Theres clubs, fraternities and sororities and many activities around the school.

Food and Dining

The food comes from local stores and there is always so many options.

Dorm Life

I have the cheapest dorms and they are nicer than other campus' dorms.

Tips for prospective students

Check out the campus! Make sure a very nature-like college is what you want.

In three sentences

Sonoma State has the most beautiful campus. Their food in the cafeteria is delicious, and you can tell they care about the environment because they get food from local stores. Also, there are many activities that are so enjoyable here.

Robin

01/12/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Sonoma State is one of the safest universities. You can walk to your car or dorm late at night without fear of being attacked. However, there are still those who go out searching for trouble, such as those who get involved in drugs and alcohol too much. For those actually interested in an education and in related academic pursuits, there is nothing to worry about.

Greek Life

I think there is more Greek Life than usual at SSU. It is quite noticeable when you first arrive. However, if you don't live on campus, and you don't want to be a part of it, it's pretty easy to avoid. You stop even noticing it once you get involved in your classes and own interests.

Clubs and Activities

SSU has clubs and honor societies for everything, and it is very easy to create a new organization. There is an unusual amount of funding available for clubs to use for travel events and to put on programs for the whole university. Associated Students also offers many free activities for students who aren't interested in a particular club.

Great for these types of students

There are quite a few young women of wealthy families from LA or Orange County. However, there is a niche for everyone. Students in similar majors tend to group together, since they tend to have like interests, so I don't think anyone is really excluded.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Most traditions are pretty normal here, except there is a Geek Week, which pokes fun at Greek Week. Geek Week happens every Spring semester in March, and is a time for students in math, technology, science and engineering classes to participate in contests and generally conduct activities related to these subjects. All students can participate, not just STEM majors.

Bang for the buck

For upper division years, SSU cannot be beat. You'll get an education here that will prepare you for future studies or for your career. There are also lots of research opportunities, since professors care about undergraduates here, and lots of social opportunities. However, lower division classes can be done much cheaper at a community college.

What to do for fun

There are lots of free activities for students. Associated Students offers low cost camping trips and shopping trips throughout the year, as well as free movies, bowling and concerts. There are also about a hundred different student organizations that plan their own activities and trips, many of which are completely or partially funded. There's a rock wall in the recreation center that can be fun, too.

Food and Dining

The food is overpriced, but good quality. If you have the option, shop at a local grocery store (there are many within driving/bus/walking distance). You'll save money and you'll eat healthier. It's difficult to make healthy choices eating campus food.

Dorm Life

SSU has some of the best dorms in the nation. Students get their own rooms and share a kitchen and living room area. Some of the buildings are very new, and all of them have plenty of parking. However, some of the younger students can be difficult to live with due to excessive partying.

Academic Rigor

It's a pretty easy school, but that doesn't mean that students don't learn anything. It's easy because professors are willing to help their students, and there are many forms of academic support, such as free tutoring.

Tips for prospective students

Take your first 2 years of classes at a community college, because you'll save money. Lower division classes are also difficult to get into at SSU, so you'll have an easier time if all of your classes are just upper division.

In three sentences

Sonoma State is a great school for the price. This university has some of the best professors in California, who really care about their students learning and are happy to help anyone who asks for it. There are so many opportunities, whether you are looking to study, do research, meet friends, start your career or get involved with the community.

Devin from MONTARA, CA

01/26/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Cops are nice if you arent a trouble maker. They love to catch people. Drive the speed limit, and just dont be stupid, and youre fine. They will even walk you home from late night classes if you are scared.

Greek Life

Frats&sororities are big here.

What to do for fun

Hang out with friends, go to the mall. Get netflix. Join a club/Greek life

Food and Dining

The food venues around campus are nice. I enjoy the food at the cafe.

Dorm Life

There isnt much to do except hang out with your friends, Stay away from sauv if you are trying to party, you will get caught if you go there.

Academic Rigor

The classes arent hard, but they are a challenge, go to class and do your work.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you really do all your work and take notes in class. Go to class! That's a big one

In three sentences

Its a very beautiful campus, And i really like the way the dorms are set up like little apartments. The classes are interesting and really get you involved. There isnt too much course work, but enough to keep your mind busy.

Wyatt from Livermore, CA

02/07/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

EXTREMELY safe! Campus is very well lit! Everywhere you go, there are emergency call boxes that link directly to on campus police department. There are blue lights marking them and there is nowhere outside you can go without seeing one. There are a lot of patrol police for such a small campus and it is very secure and safe.

Greek Life

There are many sororities and fraternities on campus. However, Rohnert Park has laws against greek houses and so does Sonoma State, so there is no fraternity or sorority houses that are official. Also you cannot live with more than 6 people in an off-campus house because of local laws, so you cannot even make an un-official greek house. However, the greek life is really predominant on campus! About 15% of the population is affiliated and growing!

Clubs and Activities

There are a lot of clubs on campus and it is easy to get involved. Chances are there is a club for everyone!

Great for these types of students

Independent, small town

Bang for the buck

It is worth tuition! You get free visits to the on campus health facility. If you need an x-ray, it is included in your tuition. Tuition is definitely worth all the perks you get!

What to do for fun

Drive to Santa Rosa, drive to San Francisco. Go shopping, hang out in the dorms.

Food and Dining

Food is okay. The other dining venues on campus other than the cafeteria are excellent!

Dorm Life

Some of the best dorms in the country! Even as a freshman you can live in apartment style dorms with a kitchen, living room, and balcony. You never share a bathroom with more than 3 people, most often you share with one other person.

Academic Rigor

You have to TRY to fail a class to actually fail it. It is nearly impossible to fail a class.

Tips for prospective students

Take a tour to fully get to know the size of the school, it is very small compared to other CSU's. You can walk end to end of the school in about 10 minutes or less.

In three sentences

Sonoma State Has a beautiful campus. The people are very nice. You get to know everyone.

Roxanne

The campus is pretty safe, the worst thing that has happened while I've been here is peoples cars getting broken in to.

Greek Life

Theres a lot of frats and sororities. If you're looking in to joining one you'll have plenty of opportunities.

Clubs and Activities

There are a lot of clubs and activities they aim towards for incoming freshmen.

Great for these types of students

Chill students who are into small class sizes.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Sonoma Aroma! I don't think anyone actually know where it comes from but when it gets hot out after the rain the campus smells really weird.

Bang for the buck

For the amount you pay you really get a lot out of it. The dorms are all really nice, they're pretty much all like little apartments. Class sizes can range from pretty small (24 kids, usually for discussions or labs) to 700 (for lectures

What to do for fun

The beach and San Francisco are only an hour or so away so theres always a lot to do off campus.

Food and Dining

The caf is really hit or miss but we also have Charlie Brown's, Ameci's, Toast, The Pub, and The Commons that all offer amazing food.

Dorm Life

Sonoma State has the best dorms in California for sure.

Academic Rigor

I'm only a freshmen so the classes I've taken haven't been too hard. I'm a Bio Major so its definitely going to get harder.

Tips for prospective students

Come see the campus before you commit. But that goes for any school you apply to really hahaa.

In three sentences

Super chill campus. Theres not a lot to do in Rohnert Park but if you venture out of the city you'll find a lot more.

Smith from Rohnert Park, CA

One of the most affiliated campuses in california (sorority and fraternitys)

What to do for fun

Like i said, there is not much to do in rohnert park but you are close to some cool places. Only 45 min to the San francisco, 30 min to bodega bay and the ocean, 20 min drive to the Russian river area and 10 minutes to santa rosa.

Food and Dining

I worked at the dining hall, it is good food and all you can eat at the main dining hall. There also a good pizza place, a pub, a Mexican place and a market. Lots of choices and a meal plan is included.

Dorm Life

Very nice dorms. Some built in 2011. Alot of student mixer type events and Co-op groups.

Academic Rigor

It is what you make of it. For some classes it is easy to slip by and pass, while others require more work. Depends on your major.

Tips for prospective students

Come visit the town and see what you think, if you like a fun town with a cool downtown area and lots of college kids walking around, SSU is probably not the best place.

In three sentences

The campus is very beautiful and there is some construction going on for an awesome new student center building. Rohnert park is not a college town, not much going on. There are however many things nearby, like SF and the ocean. The dorms are the nicest I've ever seen.

Michael from Sonoma, CA

The gym is a fun place with rock-climbing and more. Events are always being held in the quad and theatre shows are performed weekly.

Food and Dining

Great food options with 5 different restaurants on campus. Much food to choose from so everybody can be happy.

Dorm Life

This is great because they hook you up with people that are like you! No more having to be quiet in the morning because your dorm mates aren't morning people!

Academic Rigor

I am a chemistry major, and I believe the academic rigor in my courses is very high. The teachers challenge you just enough so that you learn and are compelled in the subject.

Tips for prospective students

If you like small colleges, this is the choice for you! It has great major programs and every teacher is great! The tuition is small comparable to other universities but the benefits are enormous!

In three sentences

It is a very nice small school so the teachers are very helpful and you have time to talk to them. If you live on campus, you nearly know everybody you see, which is a great thing! I love this campus and recommend it to everybody.

Caitlin from Volcano, CA

04/04/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

Sonoma State University sends out emails to all of the residents with a big list of things to do every single week! There's karaoke, comedy night, BBQ, music performances, theater performances, and even off campus events that the school will take you to!

Food and Dining

There is a variety of places to eat on campus, including a cafeteria, a cafe, and a pizzeria! The food is a little above standard price but definitely worth it. Variety is good and the food is even better.

Dorm Life

The dorms here are wonderful! You will definitely love the set up of these mini apartments. And for the upperclassmen, townhouses are available! Such a comfortable stay, and such fun people staying in them! Definitely a treat.

Academic Rigor

This is a pretty easygoing school, but it does push you in your own way. Do not expect to graduate with good grades if you do not try. However, the course load is not overwhelming, even for majors like physics and biology.

Tips for prospective students

If you are planning in majoring in psychology, nursing, or business you should assign that as your major immediately, as these majors tend to be very hard to get into and pretty impacted.

In three sentences

Sonoma State University has a lot to offer to today's students. Sonoma State is known for their excellent academics, especially in nursing, psychology, and business. The professors are great, and the subject matter is easy to understand.

Marcy from Geyserville, CA

Food is actually really great at Sonoma, and they always have a variety of dining areas. From pizza, sandwiches, nachos, Mexican food, hamburgers, smoothies, pastries, salads and much more!

Dorm Life

Living in the dorms was the best experience! I have made long time friends by taking part in the residential community and I highly recommend for all student to engage in this experience at least for one year. I live so close to SSU but my decision to live on campus was truly worth every cent. You can really tell those who stay on campus and those who live at home, have very different college experiences. When living on campus you become closer and more engaged in campus life, become more involved and grow to be independent.

Academic Rigor

The result of academics is what you make of it. Do the work, study hard and go to class, is what will lead you to succeed academically. Going into SSU you are required to take certain courses that may not be of your interest. These GE classes are what will make you a well-rounded student academically and soon focusing on your intended major will become less difficult because they are classes in your interest.

Tips for prospective students

Join clubs and/or organizations and engage in community service as much as possible. Being involved on and off campus is what will truly make your experience at Sonoma State Univeristy the most memorable and enjoyable. Take on leadership roles and make a difference in you community and you will make a difference upon yourself in the process. You are guaranteed to grow as a person and meet amazing people, faculty and staff along the way by getting involved.

In three sentences

Sonoma State University is a community based school with endless opportunities and incredible faculty and staff. It's a university that builds, inspires and creates new leaders that will eventually give back to their communities to make a difference. This university gives what you need to succeed and continue a higher education.

Emilio from La Mesa, CA

07/05/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

There are tons of clubs and organizations that one can join for fun along with the greek life and intramural play. San Francisco is about a 40 minute drive which is full of entertainment and great places to sight see.

Food and Dining

The dining and food are just like any other location with the same meal plans and food. We are currently opening up a new dining court that will hopefully boost the experience to a five star experience.

Dorm Life

One thing that attracts most students are the amazing student dorms or should I say suites. These are one of the best on-campus living situation in the nation and I really enjoyed my time in them.

Academic Rigor

The classes are small and the teachers are very nice and helpful making the classes that much easier to pass. There are also an abundance of tutors that will help anyone at anytime.

Tips for prospective students

A tip for prospective student is to make friends as soon as possible, all though most of the students are very friendly the best thing to do is make as many as quickly as possible. Everyone is just like you willing to make friends so it will be very easy to make friends the first month compared to the last.

In three sentences

I have enjoyed my time so far here at Sonoma State. As a californian i have felt comfortable here because of all the local student body that attend it. I also enjoy the location and campus of the school, away from it all yet close enough to San Francisco to go during the weekends.

Marla from Rohnert Park, CA

09/06/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

There is always something to do at Sonoma. ASP (Associated Student Productions) are always making events for students to go to. Also, on the first thursday of every month there is free bowling night for SSU students. Not to mention that by joining clubs or sororities you will always have something to do.

Food and Dining

The food here at Sonoma is okay but it can be better. There is always something new to eat everyday. However, the food and dining is bound to change when the new student center opens and we get a new chef.

Dorm Life

The dorm life here is great. Everyone in the villages are nice and you get to meet really great people. Everyone is always out mingling with their neighbors and getting to know each other.

Academic Rigor

The classes here are challenging and you get the education that you payed for. The teachers also know what they are teaching and offer a lot of help. Also, at Sonoma you are given a lot of free time to do homework.

Tips for prospective students

Something that I would tell future students is to be yourself and get out of your comfort zone. You will have a great college experience if you go out and try something new like joining a sorority or clubs. Also make sure to ask for help when you need it and use all the resources that are offered at Sonoma.

In three sentences

Sonoma State is a great school to go to. It is very peaceful and beautiful. Everyone here is nice and they are all willing to help out. You also make great friends and will have a great time.

Brandee from Oxnard, CA

The campus is very safe. Its quite on weekends at times and the police station is located in the middle of campus.

Greek Life

Greek life is definitely very active on campus and Sonoma has a wide variety and lots of options to choose from. If your interested in joining one you'll just need to find your fit.

Clubs and Activities

There are a variety of different clubs available on campus ranging from special interests to general major related clubs. You just need to be motivated to find them and see what your interested in.

Food and Dining

Its college food not very artistic but can be very good at times. Lots of organic food stands close to campus.

Dorm Life

Absolutely wonderful housing. Lots of side activities happening in the res life.

Academic Rigor

Depending on what your thinking about going into, the courses you take, and how dedicated you are the work can become very big.

Tips for prospective students

Definitely do your research on the area your interested in. Look for clubs and classes you'll be interested in taking. Don't be afraid to email questions you might have sometimes big hurdles only look big when you refuse to walk a little farther ahead.

In three sentences

Sonoma provides numerous opportunities to those willing to seek them and determined to establish themselves in their interest area. Very friendly campus and abundant in clubs and academic opportunities. Excellent library and campus residential area.

BJ from Rohnert Park, CA

Greek life makes up a large population of our students but most everyone who is affiliated loves it. There are plenty of soroities and fraternities to choose from.

Clubs and Activities

There are about 300 clubs to become involved in!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Many fun traditions/events put on by ASP and ResLife that are unforgettable.

What to do for fun

By getting involved with stuff on campus is your best bet. The actual city of Rohnert Park can be a little boring.

Dorm Life

All the dorm areas to choose from are great!

Academic Rigor

Not too hard but enough to push yourself.

Tips for prospective students

Come visit it!! Take the time to see what SSU has to offer. Find out what there is on campus that you would want to get involved in because the more involved you are the better your overall expierence will be.

In three sentences

The campus is beautiful and the professors that teach here really care. Classes can be hard to get but my overall experiences with classes have been positive. In general people are friendly and due to the small campus faces become familiar.

Claudia from Napa, CA

I like going to the rec center and working out or if I see anyone playing soccer I try to join them. We have a lot of intramural teams for different sports if that's something you're into.

Food and Dining

I've never eaten here except for Charlie Brown's but they say the Kitchens is really good, Buffet style and $11 to get in.

Dorm Life

I recommend living in Tuscony or Bouj if you're upper classmen instead of Sauv.

Academic Rigor

Of course, it depends on the instructor and your major.

Tips for prospective students

Living on campus is definitely a plus to getting to know people. Make sure you get to know our professors, for they will be a great resource when applying to scholarships, internships and Master's/PhD programs.

In three sentences

Sonoma is a very green, small school. By that I mean, it takes you no more than 10 minutes to get across campus and you see nothing but nature all around you. Sonoma is a predominantly Anglo-American student body but with great support system for those of different cultural backgrounds.

Maribel from Sonoma, CA

Sonoma State has been rated the top safety school in California this year!

Food and Dining

At my week long stay at Sonoma State I must admit the food gets quite tiresome. Like I said I was only there for a week and in a mere week they were already repeating the same meals. I can't imagine eating there for four years lol. But for the money, I guess you can't really complain!

Dorm Life

I'm only a Junior in high school, but this summer thanks to 10,000 Degrees a college program I'm in I got to spend a week at Sonoma State in the new dorms. All I can say is WOW, they're by far the best college dorms I've seen, not to mention spacious!

Academic Rigor

I gave it five stars because I heard the classes are great, of course you have your occasional stressful final papers, but I heard classes aren't super stressful or rigorous.

Tips for prospective students

If you're a student that lives locally near Sonoma I'd suggest applying because I heard students who live in Sonoma County get preference and higher rate of acceptance!

Marissa from Rancho Cordova, CA

There are security guards and alarm stations set up around campus, as well as plenty of street lamps. I felt very safe going on walks at night.

Greek Life

I was not a part of Greek Life, but everyone I met who was a part of it was very nice.

Clubs and Activities

There are club fairs and activities going on all the time at Sonoma State! One of my favorites was Movie Night, when we used one of the lecture halls as a movie theater and showed films that recently came out.

Great for these types of students

Students who want to go to a smaller school will enjoy Sonoma State.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The lake is a great place to relax. There are geese and ducks here, and it can be therapeutic to watch them glide across the water. It is also a great place for a picnic!

Bang for the buck

There is a lot of support at Sonoma State, and because it is a small school a student can get to know their professors better. It is easier to get a good grade when the student can talk to the professor about something he or she did not understand, rather than be passed over as another face in the crowd like at bigger universities.

What to do for fun

There are plenty of clubs on campus. When the weather is cloudy, a student could join a film appreciation club, staying inside watching movies. When the weather is nice during Spring semester, a student could join an extreme frisbee club. There are plenty of possibilities.

Food and Dining

The food served on campus is very good! There is plenty of variety, and it is not too expensive to get a meal plan. Eating in the dining hall is a good place to meet people and also get a nice, hot meal.

Dorm Life

It is easy to meet people as a student living in a dorm. The R.A.s are always helpful when a student has a problem. Students are allowed to choose who their roommates will be a lot of the time. It's a really great situation to be in when a student can live peacefully and happily with his or her friends!

Academic Rigor

There are plenty of students willing to help with studying (study groups, one-on-one tutoring). The environment for studying and getting good grades is not as rigorous and stressful as some schools, which can actually make getting good grades a more tangible aspect for students.

Tips for prospective students

Living on campus is a great way to meet people. Getting involved with activities will help a prospective student to learn more about the campus culture and about themselves. When the weather is nice, I would encourage new students to explore the campus landscape for new, beautiful places to study.

In three sentences

Sonoma State has a beautiful campus and a culture that promotes success in academics and life. The professors are intelligent and personable. A student can really thrive at Sonoma State.

Zoey from San Francisco, CA

10/14/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Campus safety is a big deal here at Sonoma State. Campus police will patrol the area to make sure everything is alright and abiding by both the laws and the rules. Throughout campus there are police buttons that are there for your safety that will automatically call the police if you ever feel threatened or unsafe. Many precautions are taken to make sure nothing happens, and people are there to ensure the safety of each student.

Greek Life

If you are into Greek life there are so many different sororities and fraternities that you could join. Some are intended for people with specific interests, others are just open to whomever wants to join. All in all, you'll find a sorority or fraternity that fits you best.

Clubs and Activities

There are so many clubs and activities going on in campus there's almost always something to do!

What to do for fun

Located in Rohnert Park there are a lot of activities to do. San Francisco isn't too far away if you prefer to spend your extra time in the hustle and bustle of a big city. If not, there's always the beach or river not located far from campus and the hiking trails are always near by. Local towns always provide entertainment with things to do in their towns. Also, Sonoma State always has organized activities that are going on on campus or concerts in our beautiful Green Music Center. No matter what you like to do, there's always something for you!

Food and Dining

The food here at Sonoma Stats is really good! There are a bunch of different places to eat on campus and a lot of different options for people who are vegetarians, gluten free, allergic to nuts, etc. Sonoma State does an excellent job of providing food that tastes good but are still nutritional and healthy at the same time. Snacks are also always available with a wide selection to choose from.

Dorm Life

The dorms here are really nice and have a homey feel to them. You can request what dorm residence you want to be in, but they're all really nice. Different dorms have different aspects and that's what makes each one unique.

Academic Rigor

Classes can be hard depending on the subject just like any school, but there are so many opportunities to get help when you need it such as talking to your professors or going to the tutoring center.

Tips for prospective students

Don't be closed minded. Definitely go into college with the attitude of you're willing to try new things because opportunities may come up that you have never even thought of and it could turn out to be one of the the best thing that's happened to you.

In three sentences

Sonoma State has a beautiful campus, excellent teachers, and an amazing environment for everyone to fit in. Just being on campus gives you a sense of pride and the students here are genuinely happy to be a Seawolf.

J from Glendale, CA

12/27/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Like many universities, we have a blue light system where you can ring someone up from one of the many kiosks on campus and they will be there in 30 seconds to escort you to your apartment. We have campus police right in the central area of campus, and a lot of open space. I have never felt unsafe here. I think all campus make their student safety a high priority, and SSU is no exception. One great thing is that we are near a big city but not in it, so you typically know that people who are on campus are supposed to be on campus.

Greek Life

I haven't participated but you can join in any semester.

Clubs and Activities

I've joined several clubs and made some great connections with friends. Clubs and activities are readily available at SSU because they want you to get an education AND try new things AND make lasting friendships AND have fun. Five stars all the way around.

Great for these types of students

Students who want to love their college experience!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Two things we have that most others don't: a new world-class music center that hosts some of the greatest names in classical, pop, and rock music. And tickets for students are affordable. The second is that we have a new grant from Wine Spectator to build a Wine Center on campus (of course, right in the heart of beautiful Sonoma Wine Country) for our Wine Business Degree. The only one in the country!

Bang for the buck

My final choice came down to SSU or a private school in Chicago. We won't even talk about the weather, but I am getting so much, for so much less! I can go to SSU for 2 1/2 years for one year of tuition at the other school, and I am getting a great education.

What to do for fun

Our Residential Student Association one of the tickets here. They sponsor hikes, day trips, and activities (theater, camping) in and around the Bay Area. They also create great opportunities on campus. And there are hundreds of clubs on campus. All you have to do is be willing to try something!

Food and Dining

The Kitchens, our brand-new dining facility, is awesome. There are so many types of food, you can never get bored. It's fresh and healthy and locally-sourced too. You can grab a muffin and coffee or get Indian food, a plate of pasta, soup and salad. There's a chef's demo station, pizza and salad, a grill station, a garden station, there's Sizzle (Mongolian BBQ) and Passport (International cuisines).

Dorm Life

And speaking of dorms, there aren't traditional dorms but 4-bedroom suites / apartments with kitchens, living rooms, and four bathrooms per 6 students, clustered around a green quad. They are SWEET!

Academic Rigor

I work hard but I'm not killing myself. I still have time to hang out with friends, stay up late, sleep in, and go to San Francisco now and then. There's so much to do no campus and nearby that you can't get bored. And the library is incredible. Lots of places to study outside of your suite too.

Tips for prospective students

You must visit here. I know a lot of people say it's hard to get classes at state Universities but I haven't had much trouble. The campus is amazing and they have private funding from the Charles M Schulz Foundation as well as Wine Spectator, so they are able to make the campus so much more than just by public funding. The facilities rival that of any private school (except no football team, but great soccer, lacrosse, baseballÃ¢Â?Â¦) VISIT! You'll fall in love! It's a hidden gem in the CSU system.

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